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Surfing Safely on Public Wi-Fi

Many laptop users enjoy the convenience of surfing the Internet with public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, hotels, and other places. But did you know that most public Wi-Fi hotspots are not secure? In fact, almost anything that you do on public Wi-Fi may be seen by "interested" users around you - what sites you visit, the instant messages you send, and possibly even your email.

Hackers use "sniffer" programs to snoop on data traveling through the air to try to gain illegal entry into computers and networks, and to steal passwords and other sensitive information. You need to take steps while using public Wi-Fi to keep your computer and sensitive information secure:

  • Avoid typing credit card numbers or other sensitive financial information. Do your online banking or shopping at home, not while on public Wi-Fi.
     
  • Remember "S" for security. If you do access a page that requires a login and password, make sure the web site uses "https" not just "http." You can easily check this in the address bar of your web browser when you go to a site. Https sites encrypt or convert information into code to protect information you may send or receive. But be careful! Some sites drop "https" after you log in, leaving you totally exposed. See Using Secure Connections for more information.
     
  • Use a personal firewall. It helps block someone on the Internet or on a public network from accessing your computer without your permission. See Understanding Firewalls to learn more.
     
  • Use Virtual Private Network (VPN). When you connect to the campus network from off campus (outside the campus firewall), VPN encrypts all traffic and provides secure access to the network. VPN software is available at no charge at the VPN web site.
     
  • Encrypt sensitive files. If someone is snooping on you, encryption protects confidential information. Encrypting a file or folder converts it to a format that can't be read by other people who don't have the file encryption key. Read more at Protecting Portable Devices: Physical Security.
     
  • Disable file and print sharing. This helps prevent hackers from gaining access to your computer. See How To Disable File and Printer Sharing in WinXP.
     
  • Shut down the wireless connection when you're not using it. When working on files that don't require an Internet connection, turn off the wireless option by removing an external Wi-Fi card or right-clicking the connection (on a PC) and selecting "Disable."